As preparations for the 2025 Hajj advance, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) convened a crucial meeting with the Executive Secretaries (ES) of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards (MPWB) on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The gathering was essential for making significant decisions in anticipation of the upcoming pilgrimage.
The meeting commenced with Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, NAHCON’s
Commissioner of Operation, providing updates on recent developments from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU).
A key highlight from the virtual discussion with MoHU was the announcement of a new initiative whereby the Saudi Companies of Pilgrims’ Establishments, known as mu’assasa under the supervision of MoHU will assume responsibility for the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, similar to the current practices in Masha’ir.
This policy, which impacts all countries participating in Hajj, will be implemented
starting with the 2025 pilgrimage. It is noteworthy that MoHU had previously proposed taking over feeding in Masha’ir in 2022, which was subsequently put into action that year.
Prince Elegushi reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to align with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar and emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders.
He praised the state Executive Secretaries for their proactive approach in announcing the minimum Hajj deposits and encouraged them to maintain this momentum.
Additionally, the Commissioner urged the ESs to collect their letters regarding slot
allocations and the 2025 Hajj license.
He also advised them to formally request
adjustments in their slot allocations as necessary. Furthermore, Prince Elegushi provided an update on the pending refunds from the 2024 Hajj, which are still awaiting resolution from the Saudi authorities.
In response, Malam Idris Almakura, the Chairman of the Forum of States (FoS) and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Pilgrims’ Board, commended NAHCON for its efforts and urged the Commission to sustain the tempo.
Malam Almakura disclosed that
the members had an emergency meeting in the FCT MPWB the previous night in
connection to the current meeting.
The communiqué was read by the Director, FCT MPWB Malam Abubakar Evuti. In the statement, the FoS called on NAHCON to address certain issues of concern to the members including the Hajj Savings Scheme, policy
regarding National Medical Team, matters of pilgrims’ refunds among others.
At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Policy, Personnel Management and Finance (PPMF) Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazaq who is currently the Acting Chairman assured them that the Commission will address their grievances after constituting a Committee comprising
members from both sides.
The FoS requested for an Executive session with the Commissioners to discuss other critical issues.
